Boaty McBoatface tops public poll to name £200m polar research vessel
The NERC’s #NameOurShip campaign received ‘overwhelming interest’ after calling on the public to help name its new ship
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The public has voted the name Boaty McBoatface as the number one choice for a new £200 million research vessel, beating the closest rival by nearly 90,000 votes.
The name, put forward by communications manager James Hand, received 124,109 votes, while second favourite Poppy-Mai received 34,371 and Henry Worsley came third with 15,231.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) who launched the #NameOurShip campaign, which closed on Saturday, thanked the public for their “overwhelming interest and support”.
NERC said it will now “review all of the suggested names” and that the “final decision would be announced in due course”.
Other names put forward include It’s Bloody Cold Here, David Attenborough, Usain Boat, Boatimus Prime and Pingu.
The Royal Research Vessel will be the largest and most advanced in the UK. The 128 metre long ship is due to be operational in 2019 and will sail the waters of the Arctic and Antarctic with its crew of 90 scientists and research staff.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments